Laughing Boy wrote:

] I don't understand the culture either. And I don't have to.
] Clearly the attempt to conceal women’s bodies is a sign of
] insecurity (remember the Taliban?) "if no one can see how
] beautiful your woman is, its that much less likely someone
] will try to seduce her from you."

Perhaps, but it's their country, and they can do what they wish. Part of being a respectful democracy is being tolerant of others. Even others in which you don't understand.

] I don't agree with any culture that oppresses people in such a
] manner. In Saudi Arabia, its still legal to own slaves, and
] you can have your hands cut off for petty shoplifting.
] Adultery in many Muslim countries is an offense punishable by
] death - but normally only for the woman. The offending male
] goes free with no punishment.

This isn't entirely true. Slavery, well... that's a different story. But having your hands cut off for shoplifting isn't a bad idea. How many shoplifters are in Saudi Arabia? As for the adultery issue, the men receive just as much punishment. In fact, for a man that commits adultery with a married woman, he must restitute to the man who was offended OR face death. In many ways, death might be preferable.

You can argue that these societys are not 'free' or 'liberated', but the truth speaks loudly. They don't suffer the crime and immorality that we do. I'm not saying one is better than the other. But that each might have its place on the planet. We can all learn from eachother.

] This culture still lives in the dark ages in so many respects.
] Is it any wonder they resort to pathetic acts of terrorism
] (kill first, negotiate later) to try and force their out dated
] ideals on the rest of the world?

versus forcing our outdated ideals on the world? We are not superior by any stretch of the imagination. The reason why most of the world hates us is because we hold ourselves up as superior, when we lie, cheat, steal, and kill just like everyone else does.

] Will the Muslim countries PLEASE join the rest of the world in
] the 21’st century???

Western 'progress' isn't all it's cracked up to be. It will be interesting as traditionally 'closed' societies like China, India, Iraq, and Northeastern Africa get wired and start interacting with the west more. Hopefully they will contribute their unique perspectives to our world while advancing themselves. This might have the benefit of lifting up the whole of humanity. Don't get used to the US being the center of the universe. Enjoy it while you can. There is a lot more of the rest of the world than there is of us.

RE: BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | Iran tells women to button up